Low compression set thermoplastic gel and cable gel seal arrangement

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are various cable gel seal arrangements and thermoplastic gels useful therein. The thermoplastic gels are prepared from a composition including a styrene triblock copolymer, a styrene diblock copolymer, an oil extender, and an additive selected from poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), a C9 resin, poly(alpha-methylstyrene), a coumarone-indene resin, and combinations thereof, wherein the additive has a T g  from about 95° C. to about 200° C. The thermoplastic gels advantageously exhibit low compression set.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage Patent Application ofPCT/US2018/053750, filed on Oct. 1, 2018, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/566,882, filed on Oct. 2, 2017, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a thermoplastic gel havinglow compression set. The present disclosure also relates generally to acable gel seal arrangement suitable for use with a gel such as thethermoplastic gel disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND

Gel seal arrangements for fiber optic cables apply pressure to gelcontained therein to causing the gel to conform to the fiber opticcables and overcome any penetrating fluid pressure (e.g., from air orwater). Gels subject to pressure are subject to creep and compressionset, especially at elevated temperature.

Typical gel seals for fiber optic cables are designed with a spring andmechanical structure to compensate for changes in gel volume and shapeover the lifetime of the seal. Gel volume change is generally caused byloss of oil. Gel shape change is generally caused by creep of the gel.

There is a need for a gel seal arrangement that can accommodatedifferent size cables. There is also a need for such a gel sealarrangement that has minimal components and, in particular, does notutilize a spring compensation mechanism.

There is also a need for an improved gel that has a low compression setand, therefore, is particularly suitable for use in a gel sealarrangement.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable gel sealarrangement. The cable gel seal arrangement comprises a first sealingportion and a second sealing portion. The first sealing portioncomprises first fingers extending away from a center line of the cablegel seal arrangement. The second sealing portion comprises secondfingers extending opposite from the first fingers and away from thecenter line. A gel is located between the first sealing portion and thesecond sealing portion. The center line is located between the firstsealing portion and the second sealing portion. The first fingers eachcomprise a first flex point at which the first fingers flex away fromeach other forming at least one first adjustable aperture to accommodatecables having different diameters. The second fingers each comprise asecond flex point at which the second fingers flex away from each otherforming at least one second adjustable aperture to accommodate cableshaving different diameters.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable gel sealarrangement. The cable gel seal arrangement comprises a first sealingportion and a second sealing portion. The first sealing portioncomprises first fingers extending away from a center line of the cablegel seal arrangement and converging toward a first apex or a firstlinear ridge as the first fingers extend away from the center line. Thesecond sealing portion comprises second fingers extending opposite fromthe first fingers and away from the center line and converging toward asecond apex or a second linear ridge as the second fingers extend awayfrom the center line. A gel is located between the first sealing portionand the second sealing portion. The center line is located between thefirst sealing portion and the second sealing portion.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable gel sealarrangement. The cable gel seal arrangement comprises a main gel volumecomprising a gel. The cable gel seal arrangement further comprises acontainment device containing the main gel volume. The containmentdevice comprises fingers extending away from a center line of the maingel volume and converging towards each other forming an apex or a linearridge as the fingers extend away from the center line of the main gelvolume.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable gel sealarrangement. The cable gel seal arrangement comprises first and secondcontainment structures. The first containment structure includes a firstcone and the second containment structure includes a second cone. Thefirst cone comprises a first set of fingers and the second conecomprises a second set of fingers. The cable gel seal arrangement alsocomprises a volume of gel contained within the first and secondcontainment structures. The gel has at least a portion positioned withinthe first and second cones of the first and second containmentstructures.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable gel sealarrangement. The cable gel seal arrangement comprises a first gelassembly and a second gel assembly. The first gel assembly comprises afirst portion of a cone. The second gel assembly comprises a secondportion of the cone cooperating with the first portion of the cone todefine the cone. The cone comprises a set of fingers. The cable gel sealarrangement further comprises a volume of gel inside the cone.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to cable gel sealarrangement. The cable gel seal arrangement comprises a containmentstructure comprising a first half portion and a second half portion. Thefirst half portion comprises a first set of fingers. The second halfportion comprises a second set of fingers. The free ends of the fingersof the first set and the second set converge as the first and secondsets of fingers extend towards an exterior of the cable gel sealarrangement. The cable gel seal arrangement further comprises a volumeof gel between the fingers of the first set and the fingers of thesecond set.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a thermoplastic gelprepared from a composition comprising: a styrene triblock copolymer; astyrene diblock copolymer; an oil extender; and an additive. Theadditive is selected from poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), a C9resin, poly(alpha-methylstyrene), a coumarone-indene resin, andcombinations thereof. The additive has a T_(g) from about 95° C. toabout 200° C.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a cable gel seal arrangementdisclosed herein.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of the cable gel seal arrangement of FIG. 1with the cable gel seal arrangement separated at a part line.

FIG. 3A shows a front view of the embodiment of the cable gel sealarrangement of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3B shows a rear view of the embodiment of the cable gel sealarrangement of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A is a side view of a first sealing portion of the embodiment ofthe cable gel seal arrangement of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4B is a side view of a second sealing portion of the embodiment ofthe cable gel seal arrangement of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first lower portion of the firstsealing portion of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the cable gel sealarrangement of FIG. 1 , which depicts a small diameter cable therein.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the cable gel sealarrangement of FIG. 1 , which depicts a larger diameter cable therein.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of another embodiment of a cable gel sealarrangement disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of the cable gel seal arrangement of FIG. 8including a gel perimeter seal.

FIG. 10 depicts a cutaway view of the embodiment of the cable gel sealarrangement as shown in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 shows compression set of an exemplary thermoplastic gel preparedfrom a composition including poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)(Sabic NORYL™ SA120) as a function of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenyleneoxide) content in the composition.

FIG. 12 shows compression set of exemplary thermoplastic gels preparedfrom compositions including a C9 resin (Rutgers Novares TN 170) or acoumarone-indene resin (Rutgers Novares C 160) as a function of theadditive content in the compositions.

FIG. 13 shows compression set of an exemplary thermoplastic gel preparedfrom a composition including poly(alpha-methylstyrene) (Endex™ 160 fromEastman Chemical Company) as a function of the poly(alpha-methylstyrene)content in the composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

As used herein, the term “additive” refers topoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), a C9 resin,poly(alpha-methylstyrene), or a coumarone-indene resin.

The term “poly(alpha-methylstyrene)” refers to a compound having thefollowing structure:

The term “C9 hydrocarbon” refers to an organic compound containinghydrogen and carbon and including 9 carbon atoms.

The term “C10 hydrocarbon” refers to an organic compound containinghydrogen and carbon and including 10 carbon atoms.

The term “unsaturated C9 fraction” refers to a hydrocarbon fractioncontaining a C9 hydrocarbon having one or more carbon-carbon doublebonds or carbon-carbon triple bonds. The C9 hydrocarbon can be aliphaticor aromatic.

The term “C9 resin” refers to a thermoplastic hydrocarbon resin obtainedfrom polymerizing constituents of a petroleum-derived unsaturated C9fraction. As used herein, a “C9 resin” is produced from primarily (e.g.,90 wt % or greater or 95 wt % or greater) aromatic monomers. A “C9resin” as used herein can, for example, be produced by polymerization ofmixed dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), aromatic and alicyclic monomers. Asanother example, a “C9 resin” as used herein can be produced bypolymerization of mixed aromatic monomers. As yet another example, a “C9resin” as used herein can be produced by polymerizing a combination ofaromatic C9 and C10 hydrocarbons. An exemplary “C9 resin” is RütgersNovares TN 170.

The term “coumarone-indene resin” refers to a thermoplastic resinobtained by polymerization of a mixture comprising coumarone (i.e.,benzofuran) and indene. An exemplary “coumarone-indene resin” as usedherein is obtained by polymerization of a mixture containing about 90 wt% indene and about 10 wt % coumarone. An exemplary “coumarone-indeneresin” as used herein is produced by polymerization of aromatic C9 andC10 hydrocarbons. An exemplary “coumarone-indene resin” is RütgersNovares C 160.

As used herein, the terms “flex point”, “first flex point”, and “secondflex point” refer to an area along the length of a finger at which thefinger flexes or pivots. More particularly, the flex point is an areaalong the length of a finger at which the finger has a reducedcross-sectional area as compared to areas of the finger adjacent theflex point. For example, a flex point can include a notch, a thinnedsection of the finger, a section of the finger at which the finger isnot reinforced with a rib, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, the terms “living hinge”, “first living hinge”, and“second living hinge” refer to a connecting element that is thinner andmore flexible than the two adjacent fingers it connects.

The term “poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)” and the term “PPO” areused interchangeably herein. They refer to a compound having thestructure, where “n” is an integer:

As used herein, the term “styrene diblock copolymer” refers to a diblockcopolymer having a polystyrene segment and another elastomeric segment.Styrene diblock copolymers are known. Examples of a “styrene diblockcopolymer” include poly(styrene-ethylene/propylene),poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene), and combinations thereof. Otherexamples of a “styrene diblock copolymer” includepoly(styrene-butadiene) and poly(styrene-isoprene). The styrene diblockcopolymer can have about 25 wt % to about 40 wt % styrene, for examplebetween about 30 wt % and about 40 wt % styrene or between about 35 wt %and about 40 wt % styrene, for example, about 37 wt % styrene.

As used herein, the term “styrene triblock copolymer” refers to atriblock copolymer having polystyrene end segments and anotherelastomeric center segment. Styrene triblock copolymers are known.Examples of a “styrene triblock copolymer” includepoly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS),poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene) (SEBS),poly(styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene) (SEPS),poly(styrene-ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene) (SEEPS), andcombinations thereof. Another example of a “styrene triblock copolymer”is poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS). The styrene triblock copolymercan have about 20 wt % to about 35 wt % styrene, for example, betweenabout 20 wt % and about 25 wt % styrene, between about 25 wt % and about35 wt % styrene, or between about 30 wt % and about 35 wt % styrene. Forexample, the styrene triblock copolymer can have about 20 wt % styrene,about 21 wt % styrene, or between about 30 wt % and about 33 wt %styrene. The weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of the styrenetriblock copolymer can be about 80,000 to about 400,000, for example,about 100,000 to about 400,000; about 100,000 to about 350,000; about100,000 to about 300,000; about 150,000 to about 300,000; about 200,000to about 300,000; or about 250,000 to about 300,000. Exemplary styrenetriblock copolymers are Kraton™ G SEBS/SEPS polymers and Kraton™ ERSSEBS.

Cable Gel Seal Arrangement

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to cable gel seal arrangementshaving fingers facing outwardly from the gel sealing area. Outwardlyfacing fingers advantageously maintain the seal regardless of thedirection of the pressure differential.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to cable gel seal arrangementsadjustably accommodating cables having different diameters.Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure relate to cable gel sealarrangements in which the fingers each include a flex point at which thefingers flex away from each other to form at least one adjustableaperture to accommodate cables having different diameters.

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to cable gel sealarrangements that maintain sealing performance with minimal components.For example, no dummy plugs are necessary. Furthermore, aspects of thepresent disclosure relate to cable gel seal arrangements that do notrequire a separate spring compensation mechanism.

Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to cable gel sealarrangements that do not require extra space within the interiors of thearrangements for gel displacement.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a cable gel seal arrangementhaving a gel containment cone configuration. Aspects of the presentdisclosure also relate to a cable gel seal arrangement having a linearconfiguration.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings showing by way of illustration specificembodiments of cable gel seal arrangements disclosed herein. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, isnot to be taken in a limiting sense.

Broadly, disclosed herein is a cable gel seal arrangement comprises amain gel volume comprising a gel. The cable gel seal arrangement furthercomprises a containment device containing the main gel volume. Thecontainment device comprises fingers extending away from a center lineof the main gel volume and converging towards each other forming an apexor a linear ridge as the fingers extend away from the center line of themain gel volume.

The fingers can each comprise a flex point at which the fingers flexaway from each other forming at least one adjustable aperture toaccommodate cables having different diameters. The fingers can taper asthe fingers extend away from the center line of the main gel volume.

According to one aspect, the containment device comprises a coneconfiguration. According to this aspect, the containment devicecomprises a gel containment cone having the apex. The gel containmentcone can comprise an upper portion and a lower portion in which theupper portion and the lower portion meet at a part line. In this manner,the upper portion and the lower portion are separable.

According to another aspect, the containment device comprises a linearconfiguration. According to this aspect, the fingers comprise an upperplurality of fingers and a lower plurality of fingers. The upperplurality of fingers and the lower plurality of fingers meet at the partline. Ends of each of the fingers of the upper plurality of fingers meetan end of a corresponding finger of the lower plurality of fingersforming the linear ridge. The fingers flex away from the linear ridge.

An elastic material can line each of the fingers. The fingers can beattached to each other with an elastic material extending betweenadjacent fingers. The fingers can be attached to each other with aliving hinge extending between adjacent fingers.

Also disclosed herein is a cable gel seal arrangement comprising a firstsealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a gel located between thefirst sealing portion and the second sealing portion. The first sealingportion comprises first fingers extending away from a center line of thecable gel seal arrangement. The center line is located between the firstsealing portion and the second sealing portion. The first fingersconverge toward a first apex or a first linear ridge as the firstfingers extend away from the center line. The second sealing portioncomprises second fingers extending opposite from the first fingers andaway from the center line. The second fingers converge toward a secondapex or a second linear ridge as the second fingers extend away from thecenter line.

Further disclosed herein is a cable gel seal arrangement comprising afirst sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a gel locatedbetween the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion. Thefirst sealing portion comprises first fingers extending away from acenter line of the cable gel seal arrangement. The center line islocated between the first sealing portion and the second sealingportion. The second sealing portion comprises second fingers extendingopposite from the first fingers and away from the center line. The firstfingers each comprise a first flex point at which the first fingers flexaway from each other forming at least one first adjustable aperture toaccommodate cables having different diameters. The second fingers eachcomprise a second flex point at which the second fingers flex away fromeach other forming at least one second adjustable aperture toaccommodate cables having different diameters.

The fingers can be plastic or metal. The plastic can contain areinforcing filler (e.g., glass fiber). The metal can be acorrosion-resistant metal having elasticity.

The gel utilized in the cable gel seal arrangements disclosed herein canbe, for example, gel with a low compression set (e.g., having acompression set less than 25%, less than 20%, or less than 15%). The gelutilized in the cable gel seal arrangements disclosed herein can be athermoplastic gel as described herein. However, it should be recognizedthat gels other than low compression set gels and gels other than thethermoplastic gels described herein can be used in the cable gel sealarrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an embodiment of a cable gel seal arrangement 20disclosed herein having a gel containment cone configuration. Withreference to FIGS. 1-7 , the cable gel seal arrangement 20 has a firstsealing portion 22 and a second sealing portion 24. A gel 26 is locatedbetween the first sealing portion 22 and the second sealing portion 24.The first sealing portion 22 includes first fingers 28 extending awayfrom a center line A-A of the cable gel seal arrangement 20. As shown inFIG. 1 , the center line A-A is located between the first sealingportion 22 and the second sealing portion 24. The second sealing portion24 also includes second fingers 32 extending opposite from the firstfingers 28. Like the first fingers 28, the second fingers 32 also extendaway from the center line A-A.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first fingers 28 taper as they extendaway from the center line A-A of the cable gel seal arrangement 20.Similarly, the second fingers 32 taper as they extend away from thecenter line A-A of the cable gel seal arrangement 20.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first fingers 28 each comprise afirst flex point 48 at which the first fingers 28 flex away from eachother forming at least one first adjustable aperture 38 (see FIG. 3A) toaccommodate cables having different diameters. Similarly, the secondfingers 32 each comprise a second flex point 50 at which the secondfingers 32 flex away from each other forming at least one secondadjustable aperture 39 (see FIG. 3B) to accommodate cables havingdifferent diameters.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the first sealing portion 22 includes a first gelcontainment cone 40 having a first base 42. The first gel containmentcone 40 comprises first fingers 28 projecting outwardly from the firstbase 42 from the center line A-A of the cable gel seal arrangement 20.

Turning to FIG. 4B, the second sealing portion 24 comprises a second gelcontainment cone 44 having a second base 46. The second gel containmentcone 44 comprises the second fingers 32 projecting outwardly from thesecond base 46 from the center line A-A.

As apparent in FIG. 1 , the center line A-A is located between the firstbase 42 and the second base 46.

As can be most readily seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first fingers 28 flexaway from the first apex 30 of a first gel containment cone 40. Thesecond fingers 32 flex away from the second apex 34 of a second gelcontainment cone 44.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first sealing portion 22 comprises afirst upper portion 22 a and a first lower portion 22 b. The secondsealing portion 24 comprises a second upper portion 24 a and a secondlower portion 24 b. The first upper portion 22 a and the first lowerportion 22 b meet at a part line B-B. Similarly, the second upperportion 24 a and the second lower portion 24 b meet at the part lineB-B.

In use, the combination of the first lower portion 22 b and the secondlower portion 24 b act as a base for receiving a cable (e.g., a fiberoptic cable). The combination of the first upper portion 22 a and thesecond upper portion 24 a act as cover for covering the cable. The cableis placed into the first lower portion 22 b and the second lower portion24 b. Then the first upper portion 22 a and the second upper portion 24a, respectively, are placed over first lower portion 22 b and the secondlower portion 24 b, respectively. The first and second fingers 28, 32 ofthe first and second upper portions 22 a, 24 a and the first and secondlower portions 22 b, 24 b flex at the first and second flex points 48,50 to accommodate the cable. In particular, the cable causes the firstand second fingers 28, 32 to flex at the first and second flex points48, 50. In this way, the first and second fingers 28, 32 form adjustableapertures 38, 39 that accommodate cables of various diameters. The firstand second fingers 28, 32 having the first and second flex points 48, 50provide the cable gel seal arrangement with adjustability without aseparate spring compensation mechanism. Instead, the first and secondfingers 28, 32 having the first and second flex points 48, 50 integratea “spring” feature into the cable gel seal arrangement.

The first and second fingers 28, 32 having the first and second flexpoints 48, 50 also eliminate any need for extra space inside the cablegel seal arrangement to accommodate gel displaced by the cable. When thecable displaces the gel 26 inside the cable gel seal arrangement 20, thefirst and second fingers 28, 32 not only accommodate the cable, but alsoaccommodate the gel displacement. In this manner, gel 26 displaced intothe first and second gel containment cones 40, 44 is contained withinthe first and second gel containment cones 40, 44 and is generally notdisplaced outside of the cable gel seal arrangement 20.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate how the first and second fingers 28, 32 flex atthe first and second flex points 48, 50 thereby accommodating differentsizes of cables and displacement of the gel 26 by the cables. FIG. 6shows a relatively small diameter cable 78 within the cable gel sealarrangement 20 and passing through the adjustable apertures 38, 39. FIG.7 shows a larger diameter cable 80 within the cable gel seal arrangement20.

Turning back to FIG. 2 , the cable gel seal arrangement 20 furtherincludes a gel perimeter seal 52 between the first sealing portion 22and the second sealing portion 24. As shown, the gel perimeter seal 52seals the outer portion of the cable seal arrangement 20 between thefirst base 42 and the second base 46.

Turning back to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first and second fingers 28, 32 caneach be lined with an elastic material 54 such that the elastic materialextends between adjacent fingers. The elastic material 54 lining thefirst and second fingers 28, 32 and extending between adjacent fingershelps to prevent the gel from exiting the cable gel seal arrangement 20.The elastic material 54 can be, for example, rubber. This assists withgel containment.

The first fingers can be attached to each other with a first livinghinge (not shown) extending between adjacent first fingers. Similarly,the second fingers can be attached to each other with a second livinghinge (now shown) extending between adjacent second fingers.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an embodiment of the a cable gel seal arrangement60 disclosed herein having a linear configuration. This cable gel sealarrangement 60 can accommodate and seal multiple cables simultaneously.FIG. 8 shows the cable gel seal arrangement 60 fully assembled. FIG. 9shows a longitudinal seal 74 sealing the cable gel seal arrangement 60in an enclosure 76. FIG. 10 shows the cable gel seal arrangement 60 cutaway at a part line D-D.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10 , the cable gel seal arrangement 60 has afirst sealing portion 62 and a second sealing portion 64. The firstsealing portion 62 comprises first fingers 66. The first fingers 66extend away from a center line C-C of the cable gel seal arrangement 60and converge toward a first linear ridge 68 as they extend away from thecenter line C-C. The center line C-C is located between the firstsealing portion 62 and the second sealing portion 64. Similarly, thesecond sealing portion 64 comprises second fingers 70. The secondfingers 70 extend away from a center line C-C of the cable gel sealarrangement 60 and converge toward a second linear ridge (not shown) asthey extend away from the center line C-C. A gel (not shown) is locatedbetween the first sealing portion 62 and the second sealing portion 64.

The first sealing portion 62 comprises a first upper portion 62 a and afirst lower portion 62 b. The second sealing portion 64 comprises asecond upper portion 64 a and a second lower portion 64 b. The firstupper portion 62 a and the first lower portion 62 b meet at a part lineD-D. The second upper portion 64 a and the second lower portion 64 balso meet at the part line D-D.

The first sealing portion 62 comprises a first base 63 and a first upperplurality of first fingers 66 and a first lower plurality of firstfingers 66. The first upper and first lower pluralities of first fingersmeet at the part line D-D. The first upper and first lower pluralitiesof first fingers project outwardly from the first base 63 from thecenter line C-C of the cable gel seal arrangement 60.

Similarly, the second sealing portion 64 comprises a second base 65 anda second upper plurality of second fingers 70 and a second lowerplurality of second fingers 70 meeting at the part line D-D. The secondupper and second lower pluralities of second fingers 70 projectoutwardly from the second base 65 from the center line C-C. The centerline is located between the first base 63 and the second base 65.

The ends of each of the first fingers 66 of the first upper plurality offirst fingers meet an end of a corresponding first finger 66 of thefirst lower plurality of first fingers 66 forming the first linear ridge68. Similarly, the ends of each of the second fingers 70 of the secondupper plurality of second fingers 70 meet an end of a correspondingsecond finger 70 of the second lower plurality of second fingers 70forming the second linear ridge (not shown). The first fingers 66 flexaway from the first linear ridge 68. Likewise, the second fingers 70flex away from the second linear ridge (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 8 , the cable gel seal arrangement 60 includes a gelperimeter seal 72 between the first sealing portion 62 and the secondsealing portion 64.

As shown best in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the first fingers 66 taper as theyextend away from the center line C-C of the cable gel seal arrangement60. In the same manner, the second fingers 70 taper as they extend awayfrom the center line C-C of the cable gel seal arrangement 60.

The first and second fingers 66, 70 of the cable gel seal arrangement 60can each be lined with an elastic material that extends between adjacentfingers as previously described.

The first fingers 66 can be attached to each other with a first livinghinge extending between adjacent first fingers 66. In the same manner,the second fingers 70 can be attached to each other with a second livinghinge extending between adjacent second fingers 70.

The linearly configured embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10 functionssimilarly to conically configured embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-7 .Notably, however, the cable gel seal arrangement 60 accommodates andseals multiple cables, while the cable gel seal arrangement 20accommodates and seals only one cable at a time.

In use, the combination of the first lower portion 62 b and the secondlower portion 64 b act as a base for receiving one or more cables (e.g.,fiber optic cables). The combination of the first upper portion 62 a andthe second upper portion 64 a act as cover for covering the one or morecables. The cable(s) are placed into the first lower portion 62 b andthe second lower portion 64 b. Then the first upper portion 62 a and thesecond upper portion 64 a, respectively, are placed over first lowerportion 62 b and the second lower portion 64 b, respectively. The firstand second fingers 66, 70 flex at respective first and second flexpoints (not shown) to accommodate the cable(s). In particular, thecable(s) cause the first and second fingers 66, 70 to flex at therespective first and second flex points. In this way the first andsecond fingers 66, 70 accommodate cables of various diameters and thefirst and second fingers 66, 70 form adjustable apertures. The first andsecond fingers 66, 70 having the first and second flex points providethe cable gel seal arrangement 60 with adjustability without a separatespring compensation mechanism. The first and second fingers 66, 70having the first and second flex points integrate a “spring” featureinto the cable gel seal arrangement 60.

The first and second fingers 66, 70 having the first and second flexpoints also eliminate any need for extra space inside the cable gel sealarrangement 60 to accommodate gel displaced by the cable. When thecable(s) displace the gel inside the cable gel seal arrangement 60, thefirst and second fingers 66, 70 not only accommodate the cable, but alsoaccommodate the gel displacement. In this manner, gel is generally notdisplaced outside of the cable gel seal arrangement 60.

When multiple cables are sealed by the cable gel seal arrangement 60,cable spacers can be placed in the cable gel seal arrangement 60 betweenthe cables.

In embodiments, a cable gel seal arrangement as disclosed hereinincludes two containment walls. The fingers project from each of thecontainment walls and can accommodate cables of differentsizes/diameters. In an exemplary embodiment, the fingers form a cone andgel is contained within the cone such that the gel contacts an insidediameter of the cone but not an outside diameter of the cone. Each ofthe two containment walls can have a wrap-around configuration.

In embodiments, a cable gel seal arrangement comprises first and secondcontainment structures. The first containment structure includes a firstcone and the second containment structure includes a second cone. Thefirst cone comprises a first set of fingers and the second conecomprises a second set of fingers. A volume of gel is contained withinthe first and second containment structures. The gel has at least aportion positioned within the first and second cones of the first andsecond containment structures.

In embodiments, a cable gel seal arrangement comprises a first gelassembly and a second gel assembly. The first gel assembly comprises afirst portion of a cone. The second gel assembly comprises a secondportion of the cone cooperating with the first portion of the cone todefine the cone. The cone comprises a set of fingers. The cable gel sealarrangement further comprises a volume of gel inside the cone.

In embodiments, the cable gel seal arrangement can further comprise athird gel assembly and a fourth gel assembly. The third gel assemblycomprises a first portion of a second cone. The fourth gel assemblycomprises a second portion of the second cone cooperating with the firstportion of the second cone to define the second cone. The second conecomprises a second set of fingers. The cable gel seal arrangementfurther comprises a second volume of gel inside the second cone.

The first portion of the cone can be half of the cone. The secondportion of the cone can be another half of the cone. The first portionof the second cone can be half of the second cone. The second portion ofthe second cone can be another half of the second cone.

The volume of gel can be contained by the set of fingers. Similarly, thesecond volume of gel can be contained by the second set of fingers.

Thermoplastic Gels

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to thermoplastic gelsprepared from a composition comprising a styrene triblock copolymer anda styrene diblock copolymer exhibiting low compression set, for example,on the order of below 25%, below 20%, or below 15% (when measured at 70°C.). “Compression set” as described herein is compression set asdetermined according to ASTM D395, Method B (however, at 70° C. and 50%compression) with spacers for Type 1 samples and a 22 hour compressiontime.

The present inventors have discovered that certain additives with aparticular glass transition temperature (T_(g)) advantageously segregatewith the styrene end blocks of the styrene triblock copolymer and thestyrene diblock copolymer, while also preventing creep at typicalmaximum operating temperatures (e.g., about 60° C. to about 85° C., forexample, about 70° C. or about 75° C.). An exemplary method of measuringT_(g) of additives as disclosed herein in included in the Examples.

Furthermore, the present inventors have discovered that these certainadditives with a particular T_(g) can be incorporated into the gel bymelt mixing, which process advantageously does not utilize any volatilesolvents. Thus, melt mixing is a method of making a thermoplastic gelthat is preferable over other methods that utilize volatile solvents.Incorporation of additives into a thermoplastic gel is generallydifficult without the use of solvents and the present inventors haveovercome this difficulty through the inventive selection of certainadditives having a particular T_(g).

According to embodiments, a thermoplastic gel is prepared from acomposition comprising: a styrene triblock copolymer; a styrene diblockcopolymer; an oil extender; and an additive selected frompoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), a C9 resin,poly(alpha-methylstyrene), a coumarone-indene resin, and combinationsthereof. In these embodiments, the additive has a T_(g) from about 95°C. to about 200° C. In other embodiments, the additive has a T_(g) fromabout 100° C. to about 200° C.

In embodiments, the additive is PPO with a T_(g) from about 130° C. toabout 185° C. The T_(g) of the PPO can be from about 130° C. to about165° C. For example, the T_(g) of the PPO can be about 164° C. to about165° C. As another example, the T_(g) of the PPO can be about 135° C. toabout 136° C.

Generally, the composition comprises at most about 30 wt % of thestyrene triblock copolymer and styrene diblock copolymer in combination.In embodiments, the composition comprises at most about 20 wt % styrenetriblock copolymer and styrene diblock copolymer in combination. Inother embodiments, the composition comprises at most about 15 wt %styrene triblock copolymer and styrene diblock copolymer in combination.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 1 wt % toabout 25 wt % of the styrene triblock copolymer. In other embodiments,the composition comprises from about 3 wt % to about 20 wt % of thestyrene triblock copolymer. In certain embodiments, the compositioncomprises from about 3 wt % to about 15 wt % of the styrene triblockcopolymer. In yet other embodiments, the composition comprises fromabout 3 wt % to about 10 wt % of the styrene triblock copolymer.

When the composition comprises at most about 30 wt % of the styrenetriblock copolymer and the styrene diblock copolymer in combination, thecomposition can comprise from about 5 wt % to about 29 wt % of thestyrene diblock copolymer; from about 10 wt % to about 27 wt % of thestyrene diblock copolymer; or from about 20 wt % to about 27 wt % of thestyrene diblock copolymer. When the composition comprises at most about20 wt % of the styrene triblock copolymer and the styrene diblockcopolymer in combination, the composition can comprise from about 10 wt% to about 17 wt % of the styrene diblock copolymer. When thecomposition comprises at most about 15 wt % of the styrene triblockcopolymer and the styrene diblock copolymer in combination, thecomposition can comprise from about 5 wt % to about 12 wt % styrenediblock copolymer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises fromabout 1 wt % to about 16 wt % of the styrene diblock copolymer.

The composition can comprise from about 60 wt % to about 90 wt % of theoil extender. The oil extender may be selected from oils conventionallyused to extend copolymer materials and are known in the art. The oil maybe a hydrocarbon oil such as paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, orpolyalphaolefin (PAO) oil such as polydecene, polydodecene, orpolytetradecene; a synthetic oil such as polybutene or polypropene oil,and mixtures thereof. For example, the oil extender can be a mixture ofa non-aromatic paraffin and a naphthenic hydrocarbon oil.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.25 wt % toabout 15 wt % of the additive. In other embodiments, the compositioncomprises from about 0.25 wt % to about 13 wt % of the additive. Forexample, the composition can comprise from about 0.25 wt % to about 1 wt% of the additive. The composition can comprise from about 2 wt % toabout 5.5 wt % of the additive. The composition can comprise from about1.75 wt % to about 12 wt % of the additive. The composition can comprisefrom about 2.5 wt % to about 10.5 wt % of the additive. The compositioncan comprise from about 4 wt % to about 10 wt % of the additive.

According to embodiments, the additive is PPO. According to otherembodiments, the additive is the C9 resin. According to yet otherembodiments, the additive is poly(alpha-methylstyrene). According tosome embodiments, the additive is the coumarone-indene resin. In certainembodiments, the T_(g) of the C9 resin is from about 95° C. to about105° C. For example, the T_(g) of the C9 resin can be about 99° C.;about 102° C.; or about 112° C. to about 113° C. In certain embodiments,the T_(g) of the poly(alpha-methylstyrene) is from about 105° C. toabout 115° C. For example, the T_(g) of the poly(alpha-methylstyrene)can be about 107° C. or about 113° C. In certain embodiments, the T_(g)of the coumarone-indene resin is from about 95° C. to about 185° C. Incertain embodiments, the T_(g) of the coumarone-indene resin is fromabout 105° C. to about 185° C. In certain embodiments, the T_(g) of thecoumarone-indene resin is from about 105° C. to about 115° C. Forexample, the T_(g) of the coumarone-indene resin can be about 112° C. toabout 113° C.

The thermoplastic gels disclosed herein can advantageously be preparedby a melt mixing process. Thus, the present disclosure also relates to amethod of making a thermoplastic gel. The method comprises providing thestyrene triblock copolymer, the styrene diblock copolymer, the oilextender, and an additive (e.g., the PPO, the C9 resin, thepoly(alpha-methylstyrene), or the coumarone-indene resin with theappropriate T_(g)). The method further comprises melt mixing the styrenetriblock copolymer, the styrene diblock copolymer, the oil extender, andthe additive. Melt mixing is generally known in the art and involvesmelting and mixing the components at a temperature sufficient to melteach of the components (i.e., a temperature equal to or greater than themelting temperature of the highest melting component).

In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic gel has a compression setbelow 25% at about 70° C. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic gel hasa compression set below 20% at about 70° C. In other embodiments, thethermoplastic gel has a compression set below 15% at about 70° C.

EXAMPLES

Mixtures of styrene triblock copolymer (Kraton™ G1651), styrene diblockcopolymer (Kraton™ G1701), the oil extender, and Sabic NORYL™ SA120 PPOwere prepared with various weight percentage loading levels of the PPO.Thermoplastic gel were then prepared therefrom by melt mixing.Compression set of the thermoplastic gel was measured at the variousweight percentage loading levels according to ASTM D395, Method B(however, at 70° C. and 50% compression) with spacers for Type 1 samplesand a 22 hour compression time. FIG. 11 shows compression set as afunction of weight percent of PPO in the composition.

FIG. 11 shows compression set below 25% with 0.25 wt % PPO. Compressionset below 15% was achieved with only 1 wt % PPO.

Mixtures of styrene triblock copolymer (Kraton™ G1651), styrene diblockcopolymer (Kraton™ G1701), oil extender, and Rütgers Novares C 160coumarone-indene resin were prepared with various weight percentageloading levels of the coumarone-indene resin. Thermoplastic gels werethen prepared therefrom by melt mixing. Mixtures of styrene triblockcopolymer (Kraton™ G1651), styrene diblock copolymer (Kraton™ G1701),oil extender, and Rütgers Novares TN 170 C9 resin were also preparedwith various weight percentage loading levels of the C9 resin. Again,thermoplastic gels were prepared therefrom by melt mixing. Compressionset of thermoplastic gels was measured at the various weight percentageloading levels according to ASTM D395, Method B (however, at 70° C. and50% compression) with spacers for Type 1 samples and a 22 hourcompression time. FIG. 12 shows compression set as a function of weightpercent of additive in the composition.

FIG. 12 shows both the coumarone-indene resin and the C9 resin alsoprovide relatively low compression set. In particular, for the exemplarythermoplastic gel containing the coumarone-indene resin, 2 wt % of theadditive in the composition resulted in a compression set less than 25%and 4 wt % of the additive in the composition resulted in a compressionset less than 20%. For the exemplary thermoplastic gel containing the C9resin, 4 wt % of the additive in the composition provided a compressionset less than 25%.

Mixtures of styrene triblock copolymer (Kraton™ G1651), styrene diblockcopolymer (Kraton™ G1701), oil extender, and Endex™ 160poly(alpha-methylstyrene) were prepared with various weight percentageloading levels of the poly(alpha-methylstyrene). Thermoplastic gels wereprepared therefrom by melt mixing. Compression set of thermoplastic gelwas measured at the various weight percentage loading levels accordingto ASTM D395, Method B (however, at 70° C. and 50% compression) withspacers for Type 1 samples and a 22 hour compression time. FIG. 13 showscompression set as a function of weight percent ofpoly(alpha-methylstyrene) in the composition.

As shown in FIG. 13 , 4 wt % poly(alpha-methylstyrene) in thecomposition provided a compression set of less than 25%.

Glass Transition Temperature (T_(g)) Measurement

T_(g) can be measured according to the following method. A Perkin ElmerDSC 8500 can be used. Testing can be conducted in the instrumentcalibrated in accordance with ASTM D3418-08 using indium heat flow andtemperature standards. Testing can be conducted in accordance with thefollowing. Avoid grinding samples and test flat solid samples only. Makesure that the material completely covers the bottom of the pan to ensuregood thermal contact. Calculate glass transition temperatures from thesecond heat cycles, as the second heat cycle will evaluate the inherentproperties of the material. Nominally 5-10 mg can be cut from samplesand placed in a 40 μL crimped aluminum DSC pan crimped with a piercedlid. Samples can be tested under an inert nitrogen purge of 20 mL/min.T_(g) can be determined from the second heat cycles of the standarddifferential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made to the cable gel sealarrangements disclosed herein and the thermoplastic gels disclosedherein without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

REFERENCE LETTERS/NUMBERS

-   -   center line A-A    -   part line B-B    -   center line C-C    -   part line D-D    -   cable gel seal arrangement 20    -   first sealing portion 22    -   first upper portion 22 a    -   first lower portion 22 b    -   second sealing portion 24    -   second upper portion 24 a    -   second lower portion 24 b    -   gel 26    -   first finger 28    -   first apex 30    -   second finger 32    -   second apex 34    -   first adjustable aperture 38    -   second adjustable aperture 39    -   first gel containment cone 40    -   first base 42    -   second gel containment cone 44    -   second base 46    -   first flex point 48    -   second flex point 50    -   gel perimeter seal 52    -   elastic material 54    -   cable gel seal arrangement 60    -   first sealing portion 62    -   first upper portion 62 a    -   first lower portion 62 b    -   first base 63    -   second sealing portion 64    -   second upper portion 64 a    -   second lower portion 64 b    -   second base 65    -   first finger 66    -   first linear ridge 68    -   second finger 70    -   gel perimeter seal 72    -   longitudinal seal 74    -   enclosure 76    -   cable 78    -   cable 80

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermoplastic gel prepared from a composition comprising: 1 wt % to 25 wt % of a styrene triblock copolymer; 1 wt % to 16 wt % of a styrene diblock copolymer; 60 wt % to 90 wt % of an oil extender; and 0.25 wt % to 15 wt % of an additive, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), poly(alpha-methylstyrene), and combinations thereof, wherein the additive has a Tg from about 95° C. to about 200° C., and wherein the gel has a compression set below 25% at about 70° C.
 2. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and the T_(g) is from about 130° C. to about 185° C.
 3. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and the T_(g) is from about 130° C. to about 165° C.
 4. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and the T_(g) is about 164° C. to about 165° C.
 5. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the styrene triblock copolymer is selected from poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene/ethylene-propylene-styrene), and combinations thereof; and the styrene diblock copolymer is selected from poly(styrene-ethylene/propylene), poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene), and combinations thereof.
 6. A method of making the thermoplastic gel of claim 1, comprising: providing the styrene triblock copolymer, the styrene diblock copolymer, the oil extender, and the additive; and melt mixing the styrene triblock copolymer, the styrene diblock copolymer, the oil extender, and the additive.
 7. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 3 wt % to about 20 wt % of the styrene triblock copolymer.
 8. The thermoplastic gel of claim 7, wherein the composition comprises from about 3 wt % to about 15 wt % of the styrene triblock copolymer.
 9. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and the composition comprises from about 0.25 wt % to about 15 wt % poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide).
 10. The thermoplastic gel of claim 9, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.25 wt % to about 13 wt % poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide).
 11. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and the gel has a compression set below 20% at about 70° C.
 12. The thermoplastic gel of claim 11, wherein the additive is poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and the gel has a compression set below 15% at about 70° C.
 13. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 60 wt % to about 90 wt % of a hydrocarbon oil extender.
 14. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide).
 15. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is the C9 resin.
 16. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is poly(alpha-methylstyrene).
 17. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the additive is the coumarone-indene resin.
 18. The thermoplastic gel of claim 15, wherein the gel has a compression set below 20% at about 70° C.
 19. The thermoplastic gel of claim 17, wherein the gel has a compression set below 20% at about 70° C.
 20. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, prepared from a composition comprising: 3 wt % to about 20 wt % of the styrene triblock copolymer; 5 wt % to about 12 wt % of the styrene diblock copolymer; 60 wt % to 90 wt % of the oil extender; and 0.25 wt % to about 13 wt % of the additive.
 21. The thermoplastic gel of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at most about 30 wt % of the styrene triblock copolymer and styrene diblock copolymer in combination.
 22. A thermoplastic gel prepared from a composition comprising: a styrene triblock copolymer; a styrene diblock copolymer; an oil extender; and a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) additive, wherein the additive has a T_(g) from about 95° C. to about 200° C.
 23. The thermoplastic gel of claim 22, wherein the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) additive has a T_(g) is from about 130° C. to about 185° C.
 24. The thermoplastic gel of claim 22, wherein the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) additive has a T_(g) is from about 130° C. to about 165° C.
 25. The thermoplastic gel of claim 22, wherein the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) additive has a T_(g) is from about 164° C. to about 165° C.
 26. The thermoplastic gel of claim 22, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.25 wt % to about 15 wt % poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide).
 27. The thermoplastic gel of claim 26, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.25 wt % to about 13 wt % poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide).
 28. The thermoplastic gel of claim 27, wherein the gel has a compression set below 25% at about 70° C.
 29. The thermoplastic gel of claim 28, wherein the gel has a compression set below 20% at about 70° C.
 30. The thermoplastic gel of claim 29, wherein the gel has a compression set below 15% at about 70° C.
 31. A thermoplastic gel prepared from a composition comprising: a styrene triblock copolymer; a styrene diblock copolymer; an oil extender; and a poly(alpha-methylstyrene) additive, wherein the additive has a T_(g) from about 95° C. to about 200° C.
 32. The thermoplastic gel of claim 31, wherein the gel has a compression set below 25% at about 70° C. 